$8 Million Full-Scale Replica of a Subway Station will Help Firefighters Train for Responding to Emergencies in the City's Subway System

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today joined Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) President Lawrence Reuter and Department of Design and Construction (DDC) First Assistant Commissioner Charles Cellura at the FDNY's Training Academy on Randall's Island to unveil the Fire Department's Subway Simulator. The simulator, a full-scale replica of an underground subway stop, will be a valuable training tool for firefighters responding to emergencies in the City's subway system.

"The new Subway Simulator will be an excellent training tool for the FDNY and will greatly enhance our overall efforts to protect the safety of the City's more than 4.7 million daily subway riders," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Whether it's modernizing and renovating the training facilities on Randall's Island or providing safety ropes to our firefighters in the field, we are committed to providing the FDNY with the most advanced tools and training they need to do their jobs efficiently and safely. I want to thank the MTA for their contributions and cooperation in the construction of this tremendously important training facility."

"Four years after September 11th, the Fire Department continues to rebuild and grow. Our continued focus on upgrading technology and equipment is critical to moving the Department forward to meet the challenges of a post-9/11 world," said Commissioner Scoppetta. "This Subway Simulator will help ensure that our firefighters and fire officers are fully prepared to meet any challenge they face underground. It will become a crucial training tool for all of our members and that, in turn, will mean greater safety for the public."

The Subway Simulator is equipped with two full-size train cars mounted on side-by-side track beds. The simulator also includes a passenger platform, column structures and a third rail to mimic actual underground conditions. Various track signals and lighting are also replicated. This training tool will be a critical part of the Department's preparation for emergencies in the City's transit system, allowing firefighters to drill frequently without disrupting train schedules or daily operations in the subway system. Various emergency scenarios can be tested within this facility including extrications and simulated smoke conditions. The building also contains office and classroom space.

The subway cars, train tracks, third rail, and switching signals were surplus materials donated by NYC Transit. In addition, NYC Transit also provided technical advisors to work with the DDC on the installation and construction of the simulator. The cost of constructing the Subway Simulator was approximately $8 million and was paid for with City funding.

"MTA New York City Transit and the Fire Department of New York City have a long history of cooperation that reaches back to the opening day of the subway," said NYC Transit President Lawrence G. Reuter. "We are pleased to have been able to contribute the materials necessary for creation of this subway simulator, just one more tangible example of the mutual support that exists between our agencies. Of course, the ultimate beneficiaries of that cooperation are our 4.7 million daily riders who can feel secure in the knowledge that we are providing the safest most secure trip possible."

The Subway Simulator is part of Phase II of the Fire Department's re-development of the Training Academy on Randall's Island. In total, more than $60 million has been dedicated to upgrading the facilities at the Academy over the past two years. The City's Department of Design and Construction created the master plans and oversaw the construction of the project which included a new burn building, field house and classroom building.